RobertM Posted September 20, 2009 Report Posted September 20, 2009 Hi all, Just wondering if there is any reference material available on the actual contstruction of tsuba? Isee many step by step photos of sword construction, just wondering if the same applies to fittings? Many thanks Rob M Quote
Baka Gaijin Posted September 20, 2009 Report Posted September 20, 2009 Good Evening Rob, Excellent site: http://www.followingtheironbrush.org/viewforum.php?f=9 Cheers Malcolm Quote
bridgeofdreams Posted September 21, 2009 Report Posted September 21, 2009 There is a fairly inexpensive book that was published by the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston in 1983, paperback, called "Living National Treasures of Japan." One of the sections shows a series of pictures of the making of a tsuba by a modern tsuba-ko working in Higo style. I don't recall the name, and can't look it up as I'm out of stock on that title at the moment. Craig http://www.bridgeofdreams.com Quote
Ford Hallam Posted September 21, 2009 Report Posted September 21, 2009 Hi Craig, the artist you're referring to was Yonemitsu Mitsumasa (1888 ~ 1980) I also have the book but disappointingly there is very little in the way of images or information in terms of the actual making of his tsuba. There is a 30min bit of film about him that was made in the early 70's that has some lovely segments of him working, including doing the nunome work. It's in Japanese but I don't know if it's commercially available. If anyone knows where to get an original copy I'd be very interested to hear. I have to wholeheartedly agree with Malcolm's recommendation too :D ...absolutely brilliant site. The only lace where this sort of in material is available. And it's all for free...at least for now regards, Ford Quote
bridgeofdreams Posted September 21, 2009 Report Posted September 21, 2009 Thanks for that information, Ford. Now that you mention it, I recall that the pictures show the stages of the work, but not the work being done. Not quite as simple as "block of marble" ----> "rough shaping with chisel" ----> "Michelangelo's David" - but certainly not too informative if the interest is the real "how." The film sounds most interesting. And I also concur with Malcolm's website recommendation - a wealth of information and beautiful workmanship. Craig http://www.bridgeofdreams.com Quote
Mark Green Posted September 21, 2009 Report Posted September 21, 2009 Hi Rob, and Gang, Rob, to learn how to make Tsuba, there is no better site in this world then the Ironbrush. Everything you would ever need to know to get started is there. The people are very friendly, and the wealth of knowledge, that can be found for free is unheard of. I know all this first hand. Mark G Quote
RobertM Posted September 22, 2009 Author Report Posted September 22, 2009 Thanks guys, excellent info! Quote
Ford Hallam Posted September 23, 2009 Report Posted September 23, 2009 I've recently been adding some short film clips to youtube to try and demonstrate some traditional metalwork techniques. . It may provide a little idea of the sort of work that went into kinko tsuba. Of course, plain pierced iron guards are much easier to make. regards all, ford Quote
Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini Posted September 23, 2009 Report Posted September 23, 2009 . Brian, what about to put the link in the articles' section ? Quote
Brian Posted September 23, 2009 Report Posted September 23, 2009 Brian, what about to put the link in the articles' section ? Carlo, of course. Might even speak to Ford about hosting it somewhere here too. Need some time, work pressure is crazy lately. Brian Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.